Sir Elton John to Tour Australia in December

Sir Elton John and his band return to Australia from 5 December as part of his international "All The Hits Tour." And for the first time outside North America, audiences will see the beautiful 12m wide Chandelier, created by acclaimed Set Designer Mark Fisher, that is the centrepiece for Elton's stage.

The last performance of this Tour on Saturday 19 December will be the final performance in the Qantas Credit Union Arena (formerly Sydney Entertainment Centre) prior to its scheduled closure.

Elton John said "Please join me in saying farewell to this iconic venue - we'll bring the house down one last time."

Elton John first performed in the Qantas Credit Union Arena (formerly Sydney Entertainment Centre) on 16 March, 1984. Over the past 31 years he has played 45 shows to in excess of 475,000 which is an outstanding house record for Elton and that arena, and a phenomenal achievement for any artist.

17 October, 1971 marked Elton John's first performance in Australia when he appeared at Subiaco Stadium, Perth. Having played 179 concerts across the country to in excess of 1.5 million people, Elton John makes a triumphant return to the country that has welcomed him for many years.

"Australia has been one of my favourite countries to tour in ever since my first visit there at the start of my world-wide career in 1971 (it is incredible to think that my drummer on that tour, Nigel Olsson, is still with me today). Some of my most memorable concerts have taken place in venues all across the continent. The Australian audiences always seem to bring out the best in us, and I am certain there will be many more fantastic evenings when we visit in December," said Elton John.

The tour will feature iconic hits and classic album tracks from throughout his incredible five-decade career, including a selection of songs from his highly acclaimed album, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, which recently celebrated its 40th anniversary with a Deluxe Edition.

Elton John's band includes Nigel Olsson on drums, part of Elton's original three-piece band, as well as musical director Davey Johnstone (who first recorded with Elton in 1971 and joined the band in a year later) on guitar, Matt Bissonette on bass, John Mahon on percussion, and Kim Bullard on keyboards.

Undeniably one of the most acclaimed and adored artists of all time, Elton's spectacular stage shows are sought after by audiences worldwide. Since his career began in 1969 Elton has played more than 3,500 concerts in over 80 countries.

Elton is one of the top-selling solo artists of all time, with 37 gold and 27 multi-platinum albums as well as 58 Billboard Top 40 singles in the United States, and he has sold more than 250 million records worldwide. Elton holds the record for the biggest-selling single of all time, Candle in the Wind 1997, which sold 33 million copies. He has also written the music for stage and screen successes Billy Elliot: The Musical, Elton John and Tim Rice's Aida, and The Lion King, which was recently named the highest-grossing stage show or film release in the world.

Among the many awards and honours bestowed upon him are five Grammys, a Grammy Legend award, a Tony and an Oscar, a Best British Male Artist BRIT Award, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Kennedy Center Honor, Legend of Live Award, 12 Ivor Novello Awards and a knighthood from HM Queen Elizabeth II for "services to music and charitable services." Elton has recently been named the first recipient of the BRITs Icon Award, which recognizes the very highest level of British music achievement, presented only to iconic artists whose writing, recording and performances set them apart as having made a lasting impact on the nation's culture.

Don't miss this rare opportunity to hear one of the world's greatest pop musicians in spectacular form when Elton John returns to Australia this December.

Elton John fans with Visa Credit, Debit or Prepaid cards can gain access to presale tickets through Visa Entertainment.

Advance Elton John tour tickets across all seating categories will be available from 9.00am (local time), Wednesday 6 May until 9.00am (local time), Friday 8 May or until tickets sell out at www.visaentertainment.com.au.

TICKETS FOR ALL SHOWS ON SALE MONDAY 11 MAY at 10AM

Saturday 5 December Hope Estate, Hunter Valley

www.ticketek.com.au 132 849

Tuesday 8 December Entertainment Centre, Brisbane

www.ticketek.com.au 132 849

Friday 11 December Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne

www.ticketek.com.au 132 849

Saturday 12 December A Day On The Green Mt Duneed Estate, Geelong

www.Ticketmaster.com.au 136 100

Tuesday 15 December Entertainment Centre, Adelaide

www.ticketek.com.au 132 849

Saturday 19 December Qantas Credit Union Arena, Sydney

www.ticketek.com.au 132 849

For more information go to:

www.eltonjohn.com

www.chuggentertainment.com

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